A July wedding

As some of you know, the last month was particularly busy for our family. Two weeks ago Jamie, my youngest child  and only daughter, married her boyfriend of two years, Carlos. Here’s their cute “Save the Date” photo:

The couple decided on an alternative (very), DIY wedding, which involved A LOT of work for all of us. And fun. Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of the event itself yet. I was too busy running around taking care of things, and didn’t have time to take any. But there was an official photographer, plus lots of disposable cameras floating around… which still need to be developed. So I guess wedding photographs will have to wait until the young couple come back from their honeymoon next week.

I did manage to take some photos of preparations (dining hall) the day before. I should preface by saying the wedding took place at the Hacienda Picalquí, which belongs to one of the oldest non-govenrment organizations in Ecuador. My family has been involved in this foundation for many years, so it just made sense when the kids chose the hacienda as the venue for their wedding.

The whole family was involved in one way or another in the preparations. Even our handyman, Pedrito, was enlisted to help. He was put in charge of making dozens of cupcake liner garlands and general running around. He is one of the most positive people I have ever met. His response to any requests tends to be : “bueno, bueno… perfecto!”  (ok, ok, absolutely!) This is one of my favorite photos of him working away, gluing cupcake liners together.

And a sample of his work. 🙂

We all spent the day before the wedding getting the dining hall ready. (The ceremony took place outdoors, so all that decorating took place early in the morning on the wedding day itself.) Here’s Jamie unpacking tons of paper windmills and tissue paper flowers that were used to decorate…

…while her grandmother diligently folded all the napkins.

While we worked indoors, Pedrito worked outdoors, putting in stakes that would hold paper windmills to mark the paths.

High on the list of “best things” about this wedding was that my brother came down for a 10-day visit, and pretty much headed the “decorating committee.” (He also turned out to be a wonderfully gracious host, watching over everyone’s needs during dinner.) Nobody would know in his real life he’s an important university dean… turned florist in this photo. 🙂

One of the nice things about living in a major flower exporting country is that flowers are available to us VERY CHEAPLY. (How does $5 for two dozen roses sound). We spent under $140 for ALL of the flowers, including the bridal bouquets. And my brother was nice enough to make all the arrangements. Don’t they look nice?

And here’s the finished decorated dining hall, ready for the place settings. The couple’s colors were lilac and apple green, with touches of wild colors: turquoise, hot pink, yellow, orange. And yes, can you believe Pedrito and I actually painted all the walls? And how about that sixty-year old black and white tile floor? I love it and want it in my house! 🙂

I’ll share more wedding news as the photos are made available. And I will also be posting about other non-wedding news soon. 🙂